5 Things Tenants Can Do to Keep Office Build Outs On Budget

Managing vendors and ensuring that everything is completed on time and on budget is critical. Following those important constraints have proven a real challenge for tenants, especially if operations need to stay uninterrupted during the process. Here are 5 things tenants can do to keep office build outs from going over budget.

1. Augment Your Team Before Starting

Working with a project management company is crucial for project success. A project management company will provide guidance in selecting the best construction and design options for your organization. They can share “lessons learned” and help in avoiding common mistakes.

When selecting a project management company, it is important to find a team that will blend with your company and become an extension of your team. As a build out partner, your project management company can help in selecting vendors, coordinating installations and warehousing materials and equipment.

2. Evaluate the Condition of Your Raw Space

The better the condition of the raw build out space the less time and money it will take to design and construct, meeting project and building requirements. Often times, tenants forget to investigate lighting, compressors, wiring and systems they don’t immediately see. Remember, it’s always in the tenants best interest to investigate the condition of the raw space, before commencing with a build out project.

3. Design for Function

Communicate early with an architect and interior designer on how your office functions. Make a list of what your needs are. Do you have regular client visits to your office and want to present a specific look and feel to your office? Do you need to create a work environment that is fresh and exciting, attracting and retaining good employees?

Create a clear vision of your design needs and develop a budget that reflects those priorities.

4. Develop a Realistic Schedule

Developing a realistic and achievable schedule will reduce time, money, and most importantly any disruption to employees. More often than not, it is a lack of good scheduling that contributes to build out projects going over budget.

5. Engage Early

Reach out to a project management team early in the planning phase to take full advantage of their experience and business network. With their guidance, costly mistakes and time consuming changes can be greatly reduced or avoided.

Would You Like More Help?

CPM One Source, Inc. is in the business of helping organizations of all sizes. We are a full service project management company specializing in office relocation, furniture procurement, space planning & design, furniture reconfiguration, storage & warehousing, and asset management. Contact us for more information.